Publisher's Summary

Mags returns to the Collegium, but there are mixed feelings--his included--about him actually remaining there. No one doubts that he is and should be a Herald, but he is afraid that his mere presence is going to incite more danger right in the heart of Valdemar. The heads of the Collegia are afraid that coming back to his known haunt is going to give him less protection than if he went into hiding. Everyone decides that going elsewhere is the solution for now. So since he is going elsewhere--why not return to the place he was found in the first place and look for clues? And those who are closest to him, and might provide secondary targets, are going along.

With Herald Jadrek, Herald Kylan (the Weaponsmaster's chosen successor), and his friends Bear, Lena, and Amily, they head for the Bastion, the hidden spot in the hills that had once been the headquarters of a powerful band of raiders that had held him and his parents prisoner. But what they find is not what anyone expected.

I adore the Valdemar world and most of Mercedes Lackey's books in general which is one of the only reasons I stuck with this series. The other is Nick Podehl, his narration made the characters live. In fact it may have been his voice as much as the authors words that made me want to shove a steel rod down the main characters spine. Every time Mags's inner voice would escalate emotionally out of control I would cringe. Not many narrators can do that to me. This 5th book finally answers many questions and is the best one since the 1st book. It is obvious there will be more in the series but it could end here. This series has been the weakest of all Mercedes Valdemar stories for me. Maybe now that is has taken Mags 5 books to stop his emo whine the series will improve.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Kirsten T

29/08/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"It could have been better"

It was a nice end to a too long tale. Everything is nearly wrapped up .,... Mostly. I wish this series had been more condensed for a richer flavor.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Jennifer

Macedon, NY, United States

10/01/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Better than the last few!"

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jadrek, lot more back story and depth to this character in this installment.

Which scene was your favorite?

Can't say much without giving away the twist but there was a LOT more information revealed in this book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gaines K.

Nashville, TN USA

24/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"A wonderful addition to the saga of Mags"

Bastion was a wonderful reminder of why Misty is my favorite author.

As much as I enjoy resuming adventures with beloved characters, she does an excellent job of introducing new and interesting parties and developing them well enough to leave the reader looking forward to seeing them again as well.

The plot itself is not particularly surprising, but each scene is told with such attention to detail and emotion that even a simple night sheltering at a way station is immersive.

As the story neared it's conclusion I worried that it might be left feeling unfinished awaiting the next volume (which is not yet released), however Misty does an excellent job of wrapping up events in a way that leaves the reader feeling satisfied yet wondering what adventures are yet to come.

Last, but certainly not least, Nick Podehl is an astounding narrator who gives characters such distinct voices that it almost feels as if the listener is watching a play by a troup of actors. Most importantly, there is never a question of whom is speaking or thinking allowing the listener to relax and enjoy the story unfolding before them.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazon Customer

7/10/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"it is great well read and entertaining."

I hate that the program makes me write 20 words when a sentence will do.

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

michele

15/02/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Good story"

Mercedes lackey can be a hit or miss author but I have quite enjoyed this series. it's not so much have sex with everyone but real relationships which develop

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Donna

15/06/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Valdemar Series"

If you could sum up Bastion in three words, what would they be?

Great series. Enjoyed them very much. I hope there are more to come.

What other book might you compare Bastion to and why?

Would like to see more of the Valdimar Series books - White, Silver and Black Gyphon books, Exile series, Owl series, Take A Thief, etc....

What about Nick Podehl’s performance did you like?

Great.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

mary

San Antonio, TX, United States

20/10/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Disapointing ending."

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I was disappointed with this book. It didn't hold up. The main characters & story line go along at a good clip. Then suddenly comes an old stand by with a mysterious family member showing up out of the blue to help save the day. There are no hints to this person showing up. The main character's ability to sense mental energy is touted from book 1. That this mysterious person shows up, is a 'family' member with a totally simplistic view of life and goals is annoying. I got the feeling as in book 3 of this series the author is trying to fill pages, not write a novel. The ending of this book would have fit book 3 better. Do away with Book 3's ending and the remainder of book 4 or make them a series of short stories.

What do you think your next listen will be?

I listen to a variety of things, sci fi, horror, mystery, urban fantasy and so on. There is no way to predict what I will listen too next.

What does Nick Podehl bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He characterises the main character well from book 1. I enjoyed his reading. His reading helped bring out things about the main character that I wouldn't thought about with reading alone.

Was Bastion worth the listening time?

The book was good until the halfway point. There it started to struggle to stay together. The last 1/3 of the book was a big disappointment. Nick Podehl's reading of the book is what kept me listening till the ending.

2 of 5 people found this review helpful

Mongus

Gilbert, AZ

3/03/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Ditto for the review of book 4 - needs feeling"

Would you try another book from Mercedes Lackey and/or Nick Podehl?

I might think about another book from this duo. Her first 3 books of the series were enjoyable! Nick did a great job bringing the characters to life.

What could Mercedes Lackey have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Not given up on this series after book 3. If feels like her heart just wasn't in the last 2 books of this series, like she had already moved on and just wanted to get this over with. I wouldn't be surprised if she had hired a ghost writer to finish with the instruction: "Just get it done, whatever. I don't care."

Have you listened to any of Nick Podehl’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, I haven't yet. I would consider it though, as he did great with this series.

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

It was extremely disappointing!!! Even more so than book 4.

Any additional comments?

I just can't believe that Lackey gave up on this series so easily. It was so terrible in the end that I won't even consider letting my kids start this series. They only have so much time and I don't want them wasting it on these books.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful

Raymond

Sidney, OH, United States

22/04/16

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great Story"

Loved it with a great finish!!! Unexpected new adventure above and beyond my expectations, Marvelous!!!

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

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